The book provides a central information source in organizing studies and monitoring programs on rare and endangered species and their habitats.
History
The first Russian Red Data Book was based upon research conducted between 1961 and 1964 by a number of Soviet biologists. It represented the Soviet part of the IUCN Red List. At that time it was just the Soviet Union's first organized list of endangered species, not a legislative document. In the late sixties, more thorough research was conducted by request of the Ministry of Agriculture. In 1974, based upon ecological evaluation, a decision was made to introduce legislation that would provide for the protection of endangered species. This resulted in the publication of the first official Red Book in 1978 – a document that complemented law as a list of endangered species. Animals on the list were strictly protected and their treatment regulated by Soviet law. Since that time, constant revisions have been made. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, regulations on endangered species were instituted by each of the former Soviet countries. However, many of them had insufficient expertise and resources to maintain their lists and enforce common regulations; therefore, a common ecological treaty was made with mutual recognition of endangered species.
Cross-referencing
Animals, plants and fungi listed in the IUCN-The World Conservation Unionlist of endangered species and inhabiting Russian territory, including the continental shelf and marine economic zone may be included to the RDBRF if this is necessary due to their number or status in Russia. The same is true for species protected by international conventions.
Legal matters
State legal recognition of the RDBRF is provided by the Russian Federation law "About protection of natural environment", and by the Russian Federation law "About animal world". The species listed in the RDBRF must be listed in the regional red data books of the Russian Federation subjects. At the moment, the Russian Federation uses the 1998 edition of the RDBRF. A federal Red Data Book is complemented and expanded by regional Red Data Books that govern hunting within particular region, although instituting of regional Red Data Books is not compulsory. Regional CIS Red Data Books are direct descendants of their counterparts in the former USSR which were established in individual SSRs and in certain special areas. Even municipal-level territories at times issue their own Red Data Books. Usually, a Red Book comes with a short description of protected species. However, in certain cases, it doesn't give all descriptions due to space limitations and in rare cases there is no formatted list in the book. All of the CIS states currently implement Red Data Books.
Criticism of regional policies
Introduction of regional Red Books sometimes provokes negative reaction, up to "Red bookBacchanalia". It is alleged that funds which could have been used on more proactive ecological activities are being squandered on useless paperwork, since the federal RDBRF already fulfills all the requirements of such documents. In addition, allegations are made that local illegal animal traffickers use regional Red Books to track down endangered species. Proponents of Red Books usually give the following reasons: the connection between illegal hunting and Red Books is unclear and not proven. Local biologists can be approached and bribed by illegal entrepreneurs with the same ease. Funds that are used to create these books do support local biological research. Additionally, regional Red Books allow for more accurate and diverse local environmental protection, like greater bird protection in cities and flora protection in Arctic regions.
